6 BATTERIES
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6
BATTERIES
6.1 BATTERY SAFETY ________________________________________________________
Batteries contain dilute sulfuric acid which can result in severe burns.
Hydrogen gas is formed within a battery during the charging cycle. Hydrogen in concentrations of 4% and higher are
explosive and can be ignited by open flame or an electrical spark. A battery explosion will cause sulfuric acid and
battery components to be thrown over a large area with considerable force.
Always observe the following warnings when working on or near batteries:
6.2
BATTERY CONDITIONING __________________________________________________
A new battery set must go through a conditioning process
before it will develop its maximum capacity. Conditioning
may take up to 50 charge/discharge cycles until full
capacity and run time are achieved. A battery has a
maximum life, therefore good maintenance is designed to
maximize the available life and reduce the factors that
can reduce the life of the battery. Refer to Figure 6A for
battery age vs. capacity chart.
WARNING
The electrolyte in a storage battery
is a dilute acid which can cause
severe burns to the skin and eyes.
Treat all electrolyte spills to the body
and eyes with extended flushing
with clear water. Contact a physician
immediately. Always wear a safety
shield or approved safety goggles when charging
batteries.
Hydrogen is explosive in concentrations as low as 4%
and is generated in the charging cycle of electric
mowers. Because it is lighter than air, it will collect in
the ceiling of buildings necessitating proper
ventilation. Air exchanges of 5 changes per hour is
considered the minimum requirement.
Never smoke around batteries.
Never charge batteries in an area that has open flame
or electrical equipment that could cause an electrical
arc.
Be sure that the key switch is off, all electrical
accessories are turned off and power connector is
disconnected before starting work on vehicle.
Remove all jewelry (watches, rings, etc.).
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WARNING
Wrap wrenches with vinyl tape to
prevent the possibility of a dropped
wrench from ‘shorting out’ a battery,
which could result in an explosion and
severe personal injury.
Electrolyte spills should be neutralized
with a solution of 1/4 cup (59.1ml) of
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in 1-1/2
gallons (5.7 liters) of water and flushed with water.
Never disconnect a circuit under load at a battery
terminal.
Wear appropriate protective clothing when working
with batteries. Electrolyte can cause severe burns to
the eyes, skin, and clothing.
Batteries, battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling.
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NOTICE
Chart shown in Figure 6A refers to an 80% Depth of
Discharge (DOD) with theoretical life of 750 cycles.
The charts shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B are
provided for reference only and is to be used as a
guideline for estimating capacity of a battery pack.
Actual battery life may be shorter or longer, depending
on the actual DOD experienced by the battery set,
and maintenance battery set receives.
